Grant Readiness Checklist

A simple guide to help nonprofits assess their preparedness for competitive grant funding.

✅ Organizational Basics

• 501(c)(3) status is active and in good standing

• Mission and vision statements are clear and current

• Organizational budget is up to date

• Board list is current

• Key staff roles and bios are available

✅ Program Clarity

• Programs have clear goals, activities, and outcomes

• Program budgets are defined

• You can describe who you serve and how

• You can articulate the problem, solution, and impact

✅ Data & Outcomes

• You track program data consistently

• You can report on outputs (numbers served)

• You can report on outcomes (changes achieved)

• You have stories, testimonials, or examples of impact

✅ Financial Readiness

• Most recent financial statements are available

• Annual operating budget is finalized

• You can explain revenue sources (grants, donations, contracts, etc.)

• You have a clear need for funding

✅ Grant History

• You know which funders you’ve applied to in the past

• You have copies of previous proposals

• You have reporting history for past grants

• You know which grants are renewing this year

✅ Internal Capacity

• Someone is available to review drafts

• Program and finance staff can provide information when needed

• You can meet deadlines and provide documents on time

• You have a point person for grant communication

✅ Strategic Alignment

• You know your top funding priorities for the year

• You have a sense of which programs need funding most

• You understand your competitive strengths

• You can articulate why funders should invest in your work

If you checked MOSTLY YES:

You’re ready for Monthly Support or Quarterly Strategy.

If you checked SOME YES, SOME NO:

You’re a great fit for Quarterly Strategy or a Grant Readiness Session.

If you checked MOSTLY NO:

Start with Grant Readiness + Strategy Support before pursuing major proposals.